JP2003511225A - Double width cross belt sorting machine - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: A cross-belt sorting system is provided that includes a pair of parallel transport belts on each of a plurality of transport units that move along a transport path. Operable in an independent or synchronous manner to receive packages from multiple introduction stations and deliver them at the appropriate delivery station or to transport them on a transport belt on the other side of the transport unit It may be. The control system determines the destination of the load at the loading station and determines whether the transport belt available for receiving the next load at the loading station is appropriate or conforming and the approaching transport unit. Operable to further determine the usability and adequacy of the transport belt. Therefore, the present invention effectively performs the pre-sorting of the luggage when the luggage is introduced into the transport unit, so that the optimum throughput can be achieved without the need for the complicated pre-sorting process used in the prior art. Is achieved. In addition, the transport belts of one or two adjacent transport units receive larger loads across a single unit parallel transport belt or are too large for the transport belts of a pair of adjacent transport units. It may be operated synchronously to receive packages or products. The transport belt may be synchronously operated to receive the load and swivel the load as the load is introduced into the transport unit, in order to orient the load on the transport unit or transport units. . The package or product may then be delivered in a similar manner at a suitable outlet.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to US Provisional Application No. 60 / 157,504 filed by Artemio Affaticati on October 4, 1999, which is hereby fully incorporated by reference. Has been.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to parcel sorting systems, and more particularly to parcel sorting systems that support parcels on a transport unit operable to deliver the parcel from a transport unit to a receiving port. The transport unit includes a transport belt movable in a direction transverse to the transport path of the transport unit for delivering the parcel to a selected destination port.

Cross-belt sorting systems are known and include a plurality of transport units movable along a path between a parcel introduction station and a delivery station or outlet. This cross-belt sorting system can handle a wide variety of characteristic parcels. For example, a post office can sort magazines or envelopes, frozen foods, cellophane-wrapped clothing, and the like using such a system. This cross-belt sorting system is broadly compatible since the parcels are delivered on the transport belt of the transport unit. The transport belt is generally movable perpendicular to the transport path of the transport unit, and after the transport unit transports the parcel to a suitable destination along the transport path, the parcel is delivered by the movement of the transport belt from the unit.

It is also possible to use a plurality of loading stations to load a parcel into various transport units at different locations. However, only one parcel can be introduced into a given transport unit at any given time. If more than one loading station is installed, one or more delivery stations are provided to allow at least some of the transport units to empty the parcels there before reaching the second loading station. If not provided between the two, the throughput of the system cannot be significantly improved. In other cases, the parcel remains left on the transport unit as it passes through the second loading station, thus preventing another parcel from being received at the second loading station.

It has been proposed to provide a cross-belt conveyor unit that can receive two parcels on the belt of the conveyor unit. In this case the object or parcel is delivered to the appropriate station. The cross-belt conveyor is also operable to deliver one parcel to one side of the conveyor unit and another parcel to the other side of the conveyor unit. However, in order to properly position this parcel on the proper side of the conveyor unit, the parcel needs to be properly placed and ordered before being introduced into the conveyor unit. This requires a separate process to pre-sort the parcels, which reduces the efficiency of the cross-belt sorting system. Also, the conveyor unit cannot receive one parcel from one side of the transport path while receiving another parcel from the other side of the transport path.

In addition, a tilt tray provided along the opposite side of the transport unit.
Have proposed a double tilt tray unit for receiving and delivering parcels.
However, since the parcels cannot be transported to or unloaded on opposite sides of this unit, the parcels must be properly placed and ordered before being introduced into the unit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a double belt cross belt sorter with a plurality of sorters or transport units that are movable along a transport path. Each transport unit comprises a pair of movable belts independently operable to receive the parcel from the loading station, transport the parcel to the other belts of the transport unit and / or deliver the parcel at the appropriate delivery station. ing. The belt is longitudinally aligned on the sorting unit and is generally moveable transversely to the transport path. Thus, the present invention provides a significant improvement in the efficiency and throughput of a sorting system without the need to pre-sort the parcels at the loading station.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a cross-belt sorting system comprises a plurality of transport units movable along a transport path between at least one introduction station and at least one delivery station. ing. Each transport unit is parallel (
It has a conveyor belt driven side-by-side). Preferably, the parallel driven conveyor belts are movable along a path that is orthogonal to the conveyor path. Preferably, each conveyor belt is driven, at least sometimes, independently of the other parallel driven conveyor belts. The conveyor belt may be operable synchronously or simultaneously for loading, conveying and / or delivering items of various sizes.

In one form, the cross-belt sorting system comprises a controller operable to determine the destination of the parcel at the loading station and the availability of each transport belt of each approaching transport unit. There is. The controller is operable to carry compatible items to the appropriate conveyor belts. The control device is capable of transporting articles from one belt of the transport unit onto another in order to provide a transport belt which is usable and adapted for the articles of the introduction station.

According to another feature of the invention, a method of sorting goods comprises the steps of providing a cross-belt sorting system, which system comprises an endless chain of transport units with at least two side-by-side transport belts. Operating at least one introduction station to position an item on one or both of the conveyor belts and operating the conveyor belt to deliver the item to the appropriate delivery station. The conveyor belts are independently operable, simultaneously operable and / or synchronous to load, convey, deliver and / or rotate the goods of the conveyor belts of one or more suitable conveyor units. May be operable.

In one form, the method further comprises determining the availability of each conveyor belt and the destination of each item at the entry point. This availability and destination are then compared to determine if the transport belt and transport unit are suitable and available for each particular item. If the conveyor belt is compatible with the item at the introduction station, this conveyor belt is selected or reserved for the particular item. This comparison may be performed sequentially for the condition of each conveyor belt of the conveyor unit and the destination of each item at the plurality of introduction stations. The method further determines if an empty conveyor belt has already been selected or reserved by another introduction station.

In one form, the size, shape and / or orientation of the item may be determined at the introduction station. The item may then be loaded onto one or more transport belts of one or more transport units. The belt may be actuated synchronously to rotate, swivel and / or convey an item to both one conveyor unit or the conveyor belts of two adjacent conveyor units.

Accordingly, the present invention is a double width or double (operable to receive parcels from an introduction station on one or two of a pair of movable transport belts on each conveyor or transport unit. dual) Provide a cross belt sorting system. Thus, the sorting system can receive parcels on either side of the sorting system, transport parcels to either side of the sorting system, and / or deliver parcels from either side of the sorting system. The sorting system efficiently pre-sorts items by selecting the appropriate belt or belts for each parcel at the loading station along both sides of the transport path. Accordingly, the present invention provides throughput improvements for sorting systems over the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a plan view of a sorting system of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a part of a cross belt sorting system of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a rail. Showing the dual carrier-belt of the present invention.
t) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a transport unit, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a four-section belt type transport unit of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an introduction station for introducing a load into the transport unit of FIG. Yes, FIG. 6 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 5, showing the case where a large load is introduced and placed on both transport belts of the transport units, and FIG. 7 is a transport view of both transport units of adjacent transport units. FIG. 9 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 5, showing the case where an oversized load is introduced and placed on the belt, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the two-stage sorting system of the present invention, and FIG. 9A is 9B is a flowchart showing a control process of the introduction station of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is a flowchart showing a control process of the introduction station of the present invention.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments With particular reference now to the drawings and the illustrative embodiments described therein, the sorting system 10 includes one or more parcel introduction stations interconnected by a continuous transport path 16. 12 and one or more delivery stations 14 (FIG. 1). A plurality of transport units 18 move along a transport path or guide path 16 and transport parcels or packages between the introduction station 12 and the delivery station 14. Each transport unit 18 includes a frame 20 and a pair of transport belts 22a and 2a.
2b, which is supported on a frame 20 and is driven in a direction orthogonal to the movement of the transport unit 18 along the transport path 16 by a corresponding pair of drive means 24a and 24b (FIG. 3). . Preferably, each drive motor 24a and 24b of each transport unit 18 is based on the principles disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,520 assigned to the same assignee as the present application incorporated herein by reference. Can be used independently of each other or simultaneously. As will be described in more detail below, each drive motor 24a and 24b, and hence each conveyor belt 22a and 22b, can operate independently, so that the conveyor unit 18 can simultaneously transfer the load from each belt to the corresponding side of the conveyor path 16. Can be delivered and is further operable to introduce packages from each side and / or to transport one package on the other belt of the transport unit. Preferably, one or more trains along the transport path 16
The transport units 18 are coupled by the coupling means 26 so as to move simultaneously as described above. The transport unit 18 is propelled along the transport path 16 using a motor drive system such as a linear motor 28 of the type disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,588,520.

The cross belt sorting system 10 is preferably in accordance with US Pat. No. 5,588,520.
Controlled by a control system 11 comprising a monitoring system, which is connected to an introduction controller 36 and a sorting controller 34, utilizing the principles disclosed in No. As described in detail below, this controller controls the position of the transport unit, the status of the transport unit (whether reserved or not reserved),
And configured and operative to control the transport belt of each loading station 12, the linear motor 28 of the transport path, and the drive motor or drive means 24a and 24b of each transport unit in response to the parcel sensed on the loading system. It is safe to say that the network is possible.

As shown in FIG. 3, the transport unit 18 includes a set of vertical and horizontal guide wheels 42 for rolling engagement with corresponding tracks or rails 16 a of the transport path 16.
It moves along the conveyance path 16 by engagement. An insulated bus (not shown) positioned along the transport path 16 provides power and data signals to the transport unit 18 via one or more pickup chutes or brush assemblies (also not shown). Is operable to supply. Each of the conveyor belts 22a and 22b of the conveyor unit 18 is moved by the activation of the corresponding motor 24a and 24b, and this motor is connected to the corresponding conveyor belt drive pulley 23 via the toothed belt 25. The drive motors 24a and 24b drive the respective conveyor belts 22a and 22b either in the loading direction or the unloading direction of the luggage, or in the direction of transporting the luggage from one belt of the transportation unit to another belt. Is operable. The drive motors 24a and 24b are activated and deactuated in response to electrical signals from the control system 11.

Each transport unit 18 supports the parcel and the transport unit and the luggage are in the transport path 1.
An upper shield or plate 44 is further provided to prevent a load or parcel from falling between two adjacent transport units when carried along 6, the upper shield or plate 44 being provided for each transport unit 18. Extending from one end. Preferably, the top seal 44 is comprised of a pair of longitudinally extending wings or plates 44a that are plugged into adjacent transport units so that there is a continuous connection between the transport units. General support is provided and the gap is eliminated. Since the support plate 44a engages with the adjacent transport units, the surface thereof is supported between the adjacent transport units even when the transport unit bends the corner of the transport path 16. In this way, improved support and increased safety are provided for both the user of sorting system 10 and the products carried along it.

As shown in FIG. 4, the single transport unit 18 ′ is composed of a pair of adjacent units, and each has a parallel transport belt on the unit. Thus, the four quad belt transport unit 18 'is comprised of four cells or transport belts 22, each of which may operate in either an independent mode or a synchronous mode. The top shield 44 'is positioned between the side-by-side belt pairs to provide support between the cell pairs, while the top shield 44' extends from one end of the transport unit 18 'to the next adjacent Transport unit (not shown in Figure 4)
Is engaged with. Thus, this preferred embodiment provides a larger surface area for accommodating large and even oversized packages, and is described in US Pat.
It is received and delivered by the transport unit 18 'via synchronous activation of each cell or belt 22, using principles similar to those disclosed in 88,520.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sorting system 10 includes a plurality of introducing stations 12 provided along both sides of the conveying path 16. Load such as optical sensor (loadab
ility) sensor 38 is located along the transport path 16 upstream of the loading station 12 and is used to be selected or "reserved" by the loading station for loading a particular parcel and therefore which transport unit 18 is empty. It is operable to identify or confirm what is possible. Each introduction station 12 comprises a series of individually controlled belts controlled by the introduction controller 36 and aligned along the transport path 16. The belt of this introduction station is US Pat.
, 588,520, and includes a coding belt 12a, a cushioning belt 12b, a synchronizing belt 12c, and a loading belt 12d similar to the introduction belts described in detail in US Pat. Parcel sensor 13 is a coding belt
t) 12a and is operable to measure the length, width and lateral position of each parcel on the loading station 12.

The introduction controller 36 is operable to control the movement of the belts 12 a-12 d of the introduction station 12. Parcel or item identification system or scanner 32
Is located at the loading station and scans the parcel and communicates to the loading controller 36 information on which side of the transport path 16, such as outer A or inner B, to deliver the parcel or load from the transport unit. It is possible to operate. The loading controller 36 also monitors the parcel sensor 13 to determine the position of the parcel on the loading belt and to calculate the size of the parcel. When a parcel is received at the loading station 12 on the coding belt or start / stop belt 12a, the loading controller 36 is waiting for the identification system 32 to identify the parcel. Next, the parcel is conveyed from the coding belt or start / stop belt 12a to the buffer belt 12b, and at the same time, in response to the parcel sensor 13, the introduction control device 36.
Calculates its partial position from the side edge of the belt, as well as the parcel length and parcel width. If another parcel is present on the synchronous belt 12c and waiting to be loaded on the one or more transport units 18, the cushion belt 12b is stopped until the parcel on the synchronous belt 12c is loaded. Parcel is a synchronous belt 12
When it is transported to c, depending on the size of the parcel, the destination of the parcel, and the state of the approaching transport unit as determined by the load sensor 38, the introduction control device 3
6 selects and reserves one or more suitable transport belts 22a and 22b of available transport units 18. Based on the length and position of the parcel, the loading controller 36 calculates to load the loading synchronization point as the reserved transport unit or transport units approach the loading station.
n point) location. When a reserved cell or a plurality of cells reach this synchronization point, the introduction control device 36 controls the synchronization belt 12c and the loading belt 12d.
One or more reserved transports for the parcel in order to activate each of them and accelerate the parcel and move it onto the appropriate cell or cells of the transport unit or transport units. Start the drive motors 24a and / or 24b for the unit.

Sorting system 10 further comprises a plurality of delivery stations 14 positioned along opposite sides of transport path 16 (FIG. 1). Each delivery station 14 comprises a plurality of receiving ports 30, which are on one side of the transport path 16 or the transport path 1.
It may be positioned along the opposite sides of 6. The receiving port 30 comprises a divided chute (not shown) and can control the delivery of packages depending on the details of the particular application. Preferably, an item identification scanner 32 is provided along transport path 16 upstream of each delivery station 14, and more preferably at each introduction station 12 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and 5-8. ing. The scanner 32 includes a sorting control device 34 for transmitting information scanned from each item or parcel.
Is input to identify the parcel or confirm the parcel's identification and ensure that the parcel is delivered at the appropriate receiving port 30. Also, a re-centering station 40 may be provided downstream of each introduction station 12 along the transport path 16. The re-centering station 40 uses optical sensors and other means to center each parcel on each conveyor belt or conveyor belts of the respective conveyor unit 18, and not center the parcels. In some cases it may be operable to verify that the conveyor belt or conveyor belts are jogged or adjusted to re-center the parcel on a particular belt and / or conveyor unit. is there.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the boxes, envelopes, bags and / or parcels or packages thereof are directed along the loading station 12 toward a transport unit 18 which moves along a transport path 16. Be transported. The parcel sensor 13 measures the size and orientation of the parcel as it passes through the parcel sensor 13 of the loading station 12, while the item scanner 32 determines the destination chute or destination for the parcel. Next, the availability sensor
38 and the loading controller 36 determine which cells of which approaching transport unit will be reserved for each particular parcel on the loading station 12. Depending on the available or unreserved space on the transport unit and the load that may have already been placed in one of the two parallel cells of the unit, the loading controller 36 determines which transport to transport the parcel to. The destination of this parcel is communicated to the introduction controller 36 whether the parcel is delivered to the A side or the B side of the transport path 16 so that the unit can be determined suitable. The articles to be delivered from the introduction station where the articles are initially located to the opposite side of the transport path 16 are loaded onto one side of the transport unit and transported to the opposing transport belt. This leaves the first belt open or empty for another item destined for the delivery station on either side of the transport path 16. For example, if an item is to be delivered from the introduction station to the opposite side of the transport,
The introduction controller 36 is carrying an empty transport unit or an item which is also destined for delivery to the opposite side, and is one of two parallel cells available for the item at the introduction station. Find a transport unit that also has. If desired, items on the same side of the transport path as the introduction station may be moved to the other side of the transport unit to provide space for the items at the introduction station. Once it is determined that the cell or transport unit is available and suitable for the next item at the introduction station, that other cell is not allowed to reserve the same cell in the same way. The cell is reserved by the introduction controller and the sorting controller. When this reserved cell of the transport unit arrives at the introduction station, the item is subsequently moved from the introduction station to the reserved cell and is subsequently transported along the transport path 16 to the intended destination where it is delivered. .

This item may be introduced into either side of the transport unit 18 and subsequently transported from one side to the other, the present invention does not require pre-sorting of the items to reduce system throughput. Provide improvements. When an item is introduced into the transport unit, the controller of the present invention causes the transport path to be ordered by ordering the item on the correct side of the transport unit depending on the destination of one or both of the items positioned on the transport unit. Efficiently sorts items that may have destinations on either side of 16, thereby achieving throughput similar to a single pre-sorted cross belt system. It is further envisioned that the items may be pre-sorted at multiple introduction stations or areas, which results in substantial throughput improvements over conventional systems. Since the goods are transported from one side or from the belt to the other and each transport unit transports the goods destined to go to either side of the transport path, the present invention receives the goods in perfect order and No need to introduce. Thus, depending on the destination of the next item on the introduction station or stations, the item may be scheduled and introduced from any of the introduction stations that provides the optimal sequence of items.

The goods on the cells on one side of the transport unit are to be delivered to the other side, but the goods on the cells on the other side are to be delivered to the first side. To prevent cell gridlock if it already exists, each item is identified at its loading station before being loaded into the next available transport unit.
Next, the control system of the present invention can determine the introduction order in advance in order to prevent such congestion of cells. By efficiently sorting and ordering items into reserved cells, the present invention substantially reduces the likelihood of cell congestion. More particularly, the total number of introduction patterns of the present sorting system may be defined as a serial number raised to the power of the number of introduction of the present sorting system. Therefore,
When there is one introduction station, the total number of patterns is 41, and the goods whose destination is the inside B of the transport path are placed on the cells of the outside A of this sorter or the transport unit, and the destination is outside A. If the item being ordered is placed on the inner B cell of the same unit, then one of the four possible sequences or patterns will fail. As a result, in the case of this system, the success rate is 75%. Due to the high throughput of the sorting system of the present invention, this sorting system can provide four or more introduction stations in the introduction area, which makes the total number of patterns in the introduction area 44, that is, 256 sort patterns. Conceivable. Since the sorting system 10 is operable to efficiently pre-sort the packages when they are introduced to the appropriate transport units, the total number of congesting units is only 8 of the 256 possible patterns. Pattern,
The success rate is approximately 96.8%. Also, this success rate depends on the type of sorting application. For example, command processing (order
processing application, this causes the item being sorted to be batch picked and, therefore, a specifically assigned shoe.
The percentage of pre-ordering that has no destination is high. Optionally, the dispatch operation allows each item to have a predetermined chute point along the transport path, resulting in less flexibility in the sorting system to manage the pre-ordering process. Therefore, the pre-ordering rate is lower. However, in any case, the present invention provides improved success rates and throughput over prior art sorting systems.

If a larger load or parcel is loaded on this transport unit (FIG. 6), which is too large with only one cell and thus requires both transport belts of one transport unit, both transport belts 22a and 22b. Are both US Pat. No. 5,588.
No. 520, operated to load larger loads onto both conveyor belts of one conveyor unit 18. Optionally, two transport units in close proximity (FIG. 7) require transport belts If the oversized luggage or parcel that requires it is loaded into this transport unit, the four transport belts in the adjacent transport units Prior to using this principle disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,520, for overly centering this load, the oversized load is swung and / or rotated as it is carried on an adjacent transport unit. At the same time that the belts of the transport units are operated together, the belts of the subsequent transport units are operated together. This item may be delivered in a similar manner. Alternatively, the transport unit may be provided as a double layer or decked as shown in FIG. 8, which further increases the throughput. Such a system may be provided with two levels of introduction and delivery stations. With a double decked sorting machine, a very high sorting rate is achieved, which is a cross-do sorter.
cking) and inter-link sorting systems.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, an installation process 100 is shown that illustrates the decision making process for a single installation station. Process 100 illustrates the control decision of an introduction station positioned on the outside A of transport path 16. Since the process of the other introduction stations on the inner side B of the transport path 16 is substantially the same, a detailed discussion of the control of such introduction stations will not be included here. The parcels being introduced by the outside A loading station are used to determine whether the parcels are to be delivered to the outside A or inside B of the transport path 16 by means of a parcel scanner or identification system 32. Scanned by. This load may be introduced into a suitable transport unit and carried along the outside A of the transport path 16 by the outer transport belt of the transport unit or by the inner transport belt of the transport unit. The process 100 is similarly and simultaneously operable for other introduction stations on either side of the transport path. Process 100
Shows a decision process for reserving a cell or belt of a transport unit for a parcel or package that is small enough to be carried in one cell. If the package is larger and therefore requires more than one cell, the process then finds two or more adjacent cells available that can accept the parcel.

The process 100 begins at step 105 and at step 110, an introduction station (induct-A) outside the transport path A receives the next package and scans the package to determine the destination of the package. The state of the next approaching transport unit is then considered in step 115 to determine if there is a transport belt or cell available on the particular transport unit, and may be on that transport unit. Not all other luggage destinations are determined. Next, at step 120, it is determined whether the package on the outside introduction station is to be delivered on the outside A of the transport path. Once it is determined in step 120 that this package is to be delivered on the outside A of the transport path, then in step 125 it is determined whether the transport belt or cell on the outside A of the next transport unit is free. Is judged. If it is determined that the transport unit on the outside A is empty, then step 13
At 0, it is further determined whether the conveyor belt on the outside A is already reserved by another introduction station along the conveyor path. If it is determined in step 130 that the outer side A of the transport unit is already reserved, the process 100 proceeds to step 1
Returning to step 35, the state of the next transport unit is judged at step 135. On the other hand,
If it is determined in step 130 that cells on the outer A of the transport unit are available, the process 100 proceeds to the next step to reserve the outer transport belt in step 140, and then returns to step 145 to install. Scan the next package on station 110. Subsequently, when the booked unit arrives at the loading station, the parcel is moved or loaded onto the booked belt or belts.

If it is determined in step 125 that the transport belt on the outer side A of the transport unit is not empty, then it is further determined in step 150 whether the transport belt on the inner side B of the transport path is free. If it is determined that the transport belt on the inside B is not empty, then the process 100 returns to step 155 to determine the state of the next approaching transport unit at step 115. On the other hand, if the belt on inner B is free, then at step 160 process 100 determines if the inner B transport belt is already reserved by another introduction station. If it is determined in step 160 that the inner B cell is already reserved, the process 100 returns to step 165 to determine in step 115 the state of the next approaching transport unit. Otherwise, if it is determined at step 160 that the cells on the inside B of the transport unit are not yet reserved, then at step 170 the process 100 traverses the cargo positioned on the inside A across the transport unit. And move it to position on the outer side A of the transport unit on the transport belt. The process 100 then proceeds to the next step to reserve the transport belt on the outside A of the transport unit in step 175 and returns to step 180 to scan the next load on the loading station in step 110. Subsequently, when the transport unit arrives at its introduction station, the package is transported to the reserved transport belt. Both packages may then be delivered to the outside A when the transport unit arrives at the appropriate destination, or opposite the transport path, depending on the destination of the package carried on the transport belt on the inside B of the transport unit. May be sent to the side. If both packages are designated for a particular chute or destination along the outside A of the transport, the process 100 determines whether the cell is available and suitable or fits the particular package at the loading station. In doing so, further consideration may be given to what package is to be delivered first.

If it is determined in step 120 that the package being loaded at the loading station is not to be delivered on the outer side A of the transport path, then the process 100 proceeds to open the outer A cell of the unit. It is further determined in step 185 whether or not (FIG. 9B). If the outer A transport belt is not empty, then it is determined in step 190 whether the load on the outer A transport belt is to be delivered on the outer A of the transport path. If it is determined that this package is to be sent to the outside A, the congestion of cells will eventually occur, so that the package at the introduction station cannot be stacked on the transport unit. Therefore, the process 100 returns to step 195 to determine the state of the next approaching unit at step 115.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step 190 that the load on the outside A transport belt is not to be sent along the outside A of the transport path, then in step 200 the transport belt on the inside B of the transport unit is Further judgment is made as to availability. If it is determined in step 200 that the conveyor belt on the inner side B is not empty, then the process 1 is performed.
00 returns to step 205 to judge the state of the next transporting unit approaching at step 105. On the other hand, if the conveyor belt on the inner side B is empty, step 200
If so, then in step 210 it is determined whether the cell or conveyor belt has already been reserved by another introduction station. If the transport belt on Inside B is already reserved, then the process 100 returns to step 215 to determine in step 115 the state of the next approaching transport unit. If the conveyor belt on inside B has not yet been reserved, then step 220 follows the process 100.
Carries the load on the outside A of the transport unit to the transport belt on the inside B of the transport unit. Then in step 255, the process 100 reserves the transport belt on the outside A of the transport unit and returns to step 230 to scan the next load in step 110.
The package is then carried on the reserved carrier belt when the carrier unit arrives at the introduction station. When the transport unit arrives at the appropriate destination, both packages are delivered inside B of the transport path. If the package is to be delivered to a particular chute or destination along the transport path, the process 100 determines whether the cell is available and suitable or fits the specific package at the loading station. In making a decision, one may further consider which package is to be delivered first.

If it is determined that the load at the introduction station is to be delivered on the inner side B and the transport belt on the outer side A of the transport unit is free, then step 2
At 35, it is determined whether the conveyor belt on the outside A has already been reserved by another introduction station. If the transport belt on the outer side A of the transport unit is already reserved, the process 100 returns to step 240 to determine in step 115 the status of the next approaching transport unit. On the other hand, if the transport belt on the outside A is not yet reserved, then it is determined in step 245 whether the transport belt on the inside B of the transport unit is free. If it is determined in step 245 that the conveyance belt on the inner side B of the conveyance unit is not empty, then in step 250, the inner side B is conveyed.
It is further determined whether the parcels on the conveyor belt are to be delivered inside B of the conveyor path. If a load already positioned on the transport belt on the inner side B is not to be delivered on the inner side B of the transport tray, loading the load at the loading station on the transport belt on the outer side A of the transport unit will The process 100 then returns to step 255 to determine the state of the next approaching transport unit in step 115 because cell congestion has occurred for the unit. On the other hand,
If a load that is already positioned on the transport belt on the inner side B is to be delivered on the inner side B of the transport path, then the process 100 proceeds to move the transport belt on the outer side A of the transport unit. The reservation is made in step 260, and the process returns to step 265 to scan the next package at the introduction station in step 110. The package is then carried on the reserved carrier belt when the carrier unit arrives at the introduction station. Later, the parcels on each conveyor belt of this particular conveyor unit are delivered at the appropriate destination on opposite sides of the conveyor path. If the package is to be delivered at a specific destination along the transport path, the process 100 determines which package will be used in determining whether the cell fits the specific package at the loading station. Further consideration may be given to what is to be sent first.

If it is determined in step 245 that the transport belt on the inner side B of the transport unit is vacant, in step 270 it is further determined whether the vacant transport belt on that side is already reserved by another introduction station. To be done. If it is determined that the transport belt on the inner side B of the transport path is already reserved, then the process 100 returns to step 275 to determine at step 115 the status of the next approaching transport unit. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 270 that the transport belt on inner side B is not yet reserved, then process 100 proceeds to reserve the transport belt on outer side A of the transport unit in step 280, and step 285. Returning to step 110, the next package at the loading station is scanned at step 110. The next time the transport unit arrives at the loading station, the package is carried on the reserved transport belt. If it is necessary to make room for another package, this package may be transported to the other side of the transport unit, or may be waiting until the transport unit arrives at the destination or mouth of the package, This causes the package to be transported across the transport unit and delivered.

Although shown and described as one process, one introduction station on one side of the transport path, the process is performed simultaneously and sequentially for each introduction station along the transport path of the sorting system. To be done. The condition of each transport unit is considered to determine if it can receive a package from the next loading station, while on the other hand this package may be loaded on an approaching transport unit. At the same time, the introduction station determines the destination of the next package in order to determine whether or not to proceed. Accordingly, the present invention provides throughput improvements by having the ability to place two loads on each transport unit, which may allow both loads to be delivered to the same side of the transport path, or Each package may be delivered to opposite sides of the transport path, and there is no need to pre-sort the packages before placing them on the loading station. Although not included in the flow charts of FIGS. 9A and 9B, if the load on the loading station is too large to be placed on a single belt or cell of the transport unit, the process will be close to two loads. Or it is further operable to reserve 4 cells. This oversized load may then be loaded onto adjacent cells using the principles disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,588,520. Although shown and described as one process for each introductory station to determine if a particular in-coming conveyor unit's particular conveyor belt has been reserved by another introductory station, the controller of the present invention is more than one. In order to further optimize which of the two or more packages at the introduction station are placed on the available cells or conveyor belts of the conveyor unit, the size and destination of the packages on the introduction station and the conveyor path. It is further envisaged that the destination of the luggage traveling along may be further analyzed and compared, which further optimizes the sorting system of the present invention.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a sorting system that improves throughput without the need to pre-order the items on the appropriate side of the sorter or transport. This item may be introduced on the cells of the transport unit or on the transport belt,
Alternatively, it may be transported to the other side of the transport unit if necessary. This then allows the loading station to load the item onto the currently empty cell on the first side of the transport unit.

Since the present invention is operable to effectively sort packages in advance as they are introduced onto the transport unit, the present invention provides substantial throughput.
rate) and the need for manual intervention is greatly reduced. The present invention effectively pre-sorts packages and allows two packages to be carried by one transport unit, thereby transporting from a given loading station or multiple loading stations to a suitable shoot destination. The number of articles per hour that can be made is substantially increased. The sorting system effectively pre-orders the packages to the correct side of the transport unit, thus achieving substantially the same throughput as a single pre-sorted cross belt system. It is further envisioned that if the luggage is pre-sorted at the loading station, this sorting system may provide four times the advantage over prior art pre-sorted cross belt systems.

Further, since the sorting system of the present invention can remarkably increase the throughput, the sorting system may be provided with a plurality of introduction stations capable of operating at a higher introduction rate than the existing introduction stations. . For example, the throughput of goods at one existing loading station may be limited to approximately 3300 items per hour, while a high loading rate system may use approximately 600 units per hour using the present invention.
It is possible to introduce zero items, which further improves the throughput of the invention.

Accordingly, the present invention is operable to provide improved load throughput over the prior art without the need for complex load sorting in advance. The present invention is also operable to process products having a wide range of sizes and weights by using two or more conveyor belts that can be operated either synchronously or simultaneously. Thus, the sorting system can direct large items onto both cells of one transport unit or onto cells of two adjacent transport units to accommodate oversized items. Accordingly, the present invention provides improved throughput and is preferably assigned to the same assignee as the present application.
, 588,520 for optimal versatility (versatilit).
y) provide and accommodate various luggage.

Modifications and variations of the specifically described embodiments may be made without departing from the principles of the invention, as construed in accordance with the principles of patent law, which are subject to the scope of the appended claims. It is intended to be limited in scope only.

[Brief description of drawings]

[Figure 1]   It is a top view of the sorting system of this invention.

[Fig. 2]   FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the cross belt sorting system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a dual carrier-belt transport unit of the present invention showing a cross-sectional view of a rail.

[Figure 4]   It is a perspective view of a 4-section belt type transport unit of the present invention.

[Figure 5]   FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an introduction station that introduces luggage into the transport unit of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 5, showing the case where a large load has been introduced and placed on both transport belts of the transport unit.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 5, showing the case where an oversized load is introduced and placed on both transport belts of adjacent transport units.

[Figure 8]   1 is a perspective view of a two-stage sorting system of the present invention.

FIG. 9A   It is a flowchart which shows the control process of the introduction station of this invention.

FIG. 9B   It is a flowchart which shows the control process of the introduction station of this invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Sorting system 11 Control system 12 Parcel introduction station 12a coding belt 12b buffer belt 12c synchronous belt 12d loading belt 13 Parcel sensor 14 Sending station 16 transport paths 18 Transport unit 20 frames 22a, 22b Conveyor belt 30 Receiving port 32 Item Identification Scanner 36 Introduction control device 38 loadability sensor 40 re-centering station 44 Top shield or plate

[Procedure for Amendment] Submission for translation of Article 34 Amendment of Patent Cooperation Treaty

[Submission date] December 17, 2001 (2001.12.17)

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be amended] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Contents of correction]

[Claims]

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (81) Designated countries EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, I T, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ , CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, K E, LS, MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG , ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AG, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, BZ, C A, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM , DZ, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, K E, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS , LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MZ, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, R U, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM , TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW (72) Inventor Claudio Chi Cerutti             Borgomanero Via Cita, Italy             Vigioli 20 F-term (reference) 3F079 AA04 CA01 CA10 CA18 CB24                       CC13 DA12 DA21 EA10 EA14 [Continued summary] Carrying a pair of transfer units that receive or are in close proximity To receive oversized packages or products on the shipping belt It may be operated synchronously. This conveyor belt Knit or load multiple transport units in the proper direction When the luggage is introduced into the transport unit in order to Receive and operate synchronously to rotate the load May be done. This package or product can then be It may be delivered at a suitable outlet.

Claims (52)

[Claims] 1. A cross belt sort comprising a plurality of transport units moving in a transport path between at least one introduction station and at least one delivery station, each transport unit comprising a parallel driven dynamic transport belt. system. 2. The cross-bell sorting system according to claim 1, wherein the transport belt is movable in a direction orthogonal to the transport path. 3. The cross belt sorting system according to claim 1, wherein each of the conveyor belts is at least temporarily driven independently of the other of the parallel drive conveyor belts. 4. The cross-belt sorting system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of transport units are constituted by endless chains of a transport path that moves along the endless transport path. 5. The cross belt sorting system of claim 4, wherein at least one of the at least one introduction station and at least one of the at least one delivery station are at opposite positions of the endless transport path. 6. At least one said introduction station and at least one
The cross-belt sorting system according to claim 4, wherein one of the delivery stations is provided on each side of the endless transport path. 7. The cross-belt sorting system of claim 1, wherein the transport unit includes a pair of electric motors, each of the electric motors being operable to drive one of the parallel-driven transport belts. 8. The cross belt sorting system of claim 1, wherein each of the transport units comprises a first and a second pair of parallel driven transport belts. 9. The cross-belt sorter according to claim 1, wherein the conveyor belts can be operated synchronously with the conveyor belts of the adjacent conveyor units in order to load articles onto the conveyor belts of the adjacent conveyor units. system. 10. The cross belt sorting system of claim 1, wherein both transport belts of the transport unit are operable to receive an item on both of the transport belts. 11. Further comprising a support portion extending between adjacent transport units,
The cross-belt sorting system of claim 1, wherein the support includes a pair of support plates, each of the support plate pairs extending between corresponding transport belts of the adjacent transport units. 12. The cross belt sorting system according to claim 1, wherein the transport unit includes a plurality of upper transport units and a lower transport unit, both of which are movable along the transport path. 13. The cross-belt sorting system of claim 1, further comprising a controller operable to determine the destination of the item at the introduction station and the availability of each of the conveyor belts of the conveyor unit. 14. The loading station comprises first and second loading stations, and the controller is operable to determine the destination of luggage at both the first loading station and the second loading station. The cross belt sorting system according to claim 13. 15. The first introducing device compares the destination of one article at the first introducing station with the state of each of the transport units approaching the first introducing station. 15. The cross-belt sorting system of claim 14, operable to determine an appropriate transport belt for transporting the item from a station to an appropriate destination station. 16. The controller selects the appropriate conveyor belt and the first conveyor belt when the selected conveyor belt arrives at the first introduction station.
16. The cross-belt sorting system of claim 15 operable to carry the item from the introduction station on the selected conveyor belt. 17. The control device is such that a suitable transport belt has already been selected by the second loading station before the control device hashes the appropriate transport belt for an item at the first loading station. 17. The cross-belt sorting system of claim 16, operable to determine whether or not it is present. 18. The control device introduces an article onto a conveyor belt of the conveyor unit, sends the article from the conveyor belt of the conveyor unit, and conveys the article from one of the conveyor belts of the conveyor unit. 14. The cross-belt sorting system of claim 13, operable to carry at least one of delivering goods onto the other of the conveyor belts of the unit. 19. The control device is operable to perform at least one of introducing, delivering, and transporting the article depending on the availability of the conveyor belt and the destination of the article. The cross belt sorting system according to claim 1. 20. The sorting system introduces an article onto at least one of the conveyor belts and conveys an article from one of the conveyor belts of the conveyor unit to the other of the conveyor belts of the conveyor unit, and The cross-belt sorting system of claim 1, wherein the cross-belt sorting system is operable to perform at least one of delivering items from at least one of the conveyor belts. 21. A method for sorting goods, comprising a plurality of transport units movable along a transport path, at least one introduction station, and at least one destination station, each of said transport units. Providing a cross-belt sorting system including at least two side-by-side conveyor belts, operating at least one introduction station on at least one of the side-by-side conveyor belts of each of the conveyor units. A method of sorting items comprising the steps of positioning the items and operating the parallel conveyor belts to deliver the items at a desired destination station. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the conveyor belts of each of the conveyor units are operable, at least temporarily, independently of one another. 23. Loading goods on at least one of the conveyor belts,
And at least one of delivering goods from at least one of the conveyor belts and conveying goods from one of the parallel conveyor belts to the other of the parallel conveyor belts of the conveyor unit. 22. The method of claim 21, including the step of operating the conveyor belt. 24. The method of claim 23 including the step of providing at least one of said introduction stations and at least one of said destination stations on opposite sides of said transport path. 25. By loading an item from one of said introduction stations and manipulating said item to convey said item across said side-by-side conveyor belt towards said destination. 25. The method of claim 24 including the step of manipulating the conveyor belt to deliver an item to one of the destination stations on opposite sides of the conveyor path. 26. Prior to operating the introduction station, the method comprises determining the availability of each conveyor belt on the conveyor unit; determining the destination of the item at the introduction station; Further comprising the step of comparing the usable state and the destination to determine compatibility between the article and the conveyor belt of the conveyor unit, and selecting a compatible conveyor belt for receiving the article. 22. The method of claim 21 including. 27. The transport unit comprises a first transport belt and a second transport belt, and the method transports an item from the first transport belt to the second transport belt to transfer the product to the first transport belt. 27. The method of claim 26, including the step of matching an item at the introduction station. 28. The cross-belt sorting system includes a plurality of introduction stations, wherein the destination of each item on each of the introduction stations is continuously compared to the availability of each conveyor belt of the conveyor unit. The method of claim 26. 29. Prior to selecting a matching one of the conveyor belts for an item, the method further comprises determining whether the matching conveyor belt has already been selected by the introducing station. 29. The method of claim 28. 30. The step of operating the introduction station comprises correspondingly operating at least one conveyor belt on one of the conveyor units adjacent to the introduction station to cause the conveyance of the conveyor adjacent to the introduction station. 22. The method of claim 21, including the step of positioning the item on at least one of the conveyor belts of the unit. 31. The method of claim 30, including the step of determining at least one of the size and shape of the item at the introduction station prior to operating at least one of the introduction station and the conveyor belt. . 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the transport belt is operable at least one of independently, synchronously, and simultaneously depending on at least one of size and shape of the item. . 33. The step of operating at least one of said conveyor belts comprises:
31. The method of claim 30, comprising operating both transport belts of the transport unit simultaneously to load an item onto both side-by-side transport belts of the transport unit. 34. The step of operating at least one of said conveyor belts comprises:
31. The method of claim 30 including the step of synchronously operating the side-by-side carrier belts of the pair of adjacent carrier units so that the item is rotated and carried on the carrier belts of the adjacent carrier unit. . 35. The method of claim 21 including the step of measuring the size and shape of the item at the introduction station prior to operating the introduction station. 36. A cross-belt sorting system comprising an endless transport path having first and second sides, the first side of the endless transport path being generally opposite the second side. Endless transport path, a first introduction station on the first side of the endless transport path, a second introduction station on the second side of the endless transport path, the endless transport path A first destination station on the first side of the transport path, a second destination station on the second side of the endless transport path, and a plurality of transport units movable along the transport path, Each of the units has first and second driven transport belts movable in a direction generally transverse to the direction of the transport path, the first transport belt being the first of the endless transport paths.
From the first introducing station and the second introducing station, the second conveying belt being on the second side of the endless conveying path. A cross-belt sorting system comprising: a controller operable to carry an item onto the transport unit and to deliver the item from the transport unit to the first and second destination stations. 37. The cross belt sorting system of claim 36, wherein the controller is operable to measure the size and shape of items at the first and second introduction stations. 38. The cloth of claim 37, wherein the controller is operable to move the conveyor belt at least one of synchronously, simultaneously, and independently of the size of the item. Belt sorting system. 39. The control device is operable to synchronously move the transport belts of the pair of transport units that are close to each other so as to rotate the article on the transport belts of the pair of transport units that are close to each other. Item 38. The cross belt sorting system according to Item 38. 40. The cross-belt sorting system of claim 38, wherein the controller is operable to simultaneously move one of the conveyor belts of the conveyor units to convey an item onto the conveyor belt of the conveyor unit. 41. The controller is further operable to determine the availability of each of the first and second conveyor belts of the conveyor unit and the destination of the item at the first and second introduction stations. The cross belt sorting system according to claim 36. 42. The controller compares the ready state with the destination of the item to determine one or more suitable first of the transport units for each item at the first and second loading stations. 42. The cross belt sorting system of claim 41 operable to determine a first and a second conveyor belt. 43. The control device is operable to convey an item from the first introduction station onto the first conveyor belt depending on the availability and the destination of the item. Cross belt sorting system. 44. The control device is operable to convey an item from the second introduction station onto the second conveyor belt depending on the availability and the destination of the item. Cross belt sorting system. 45. The first conveyor belt is controlled by the control device according to an available state of the second conveyor belt and a destination of another article on another side of the first and second introduction stations. 44. The cross-belt sorting system of claim 43, operable to carry the item from a second conveyor belt to the second conveyor belt. 46. The controller is configured to convey the item from the first conveyor belt to the second conveyor belt and deliver the item from the second conveyor belt to the second destination station. 44. The cross belt sorting system of claim 43, which is operable. 47. The cross-belt sorting system according to claim 43, wherein the control device delivers the article from the first conveyor belt to the first destination station. 48. The controller controls the first introduction station to the first
Is operable to convey an item onto the second conveyor belt and the controller conveys the article from the first conveyor belt onto the second conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt from the second conveyor belt. 37. The cross-belt sorting system of claim 36, further operable to deliver the item to a destination station. 49. The controller is configured to operate from the first introduction station to the first introduction station.
37. The cross-belt sorting system of claim 36, which is operable to carry a first item onto the conveyor belt of and a second item from the second introduction station to the second conveyor belt. 50. The cross belt sorting system of claim 49, wherein said controller is operable to deliver said first item at one of said first and second destination stations. 51. The cross belt sorting system of claim 49, wherein the controller is operable to deliver the first and second items at the first and second destinations. 52. The controller is operable to deliver the first item at the first destination and deliver the second item at the second destination station. Cross belt sorting system.